Fishing Reports

Lake Michigan (chicago) (star)(star)(star)+

April 14, 1994|By Chauncey Niziol.

The weather really took its toll for shore fishermen. A return to more seasonable weather will improve fishing along the lakefront quickly. Powerliners and pole fishermen are finding coho and brown trout still close to shore. Montrose Harbor anglers are reporting coho in the harbor now. If casting is preferred, stay with small spoons to help you entice a bite. Smelting has been slow except for netters actively working their nets. Verified: quarter- and half-full buckets of fish for late-night anglers in scattered locations along the lake. Fish seem to be in the same pattern of running late, like last year. Watch the water temperature, 42 to 45 degrees. Perch: The 92nd St. and 95th St. bridges over the Calumet River have also slowed with the weather. Minnows and chartreuse Mini Mite jigs tipped with a few spikes are taking fish. Wolf Lake: Crappie and bluegill on small live bait from the southeast channel.

LAKE MICHIGAN (WAUKEGAN) (STAR)(STAR)+

The wind and waves muddied the water, which brown trout like. Remember: A stinger hook and a 20-inch leader on a floating jig will increase your catch with the current water conditions. Casters using small Cleos and Rattle Traps off the South Rocks and Government Pier have improved their catch in past week. Fly fishermen are finding dark color flies are working well in the discharge.

MICHIANA (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)

Lake resettled, and boaters found good numbers of coho, steelhead and kings working in the top six feet. One 22-pound king was recorded and verified in last few days. At the marinas, fishermen are using small spoons and nightcrawlers on slip bobbers set 4-5 feet down. Willow Slough: Good bluegill and small largemouth bass action has been reported.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER (STAR)(STAR)+

Bellevue: Fishermen returned to wing dams and backwaters on the Illinois side. Walleye and sauger have been caught on three-way rigs with a floating jig. Northern pike are still being caught by walleye fishermen in the open river.

CHAIN O' LAKES (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)+

Bluegill have been hitting small ice jigs and wax worms. Custom Jig and Spin Ratfinkee, Poppee and Demons work well all year long on ultralight tackle for bluegill and crappie. Stay in the channels to find the most aggressive fish. Yellow bass have found themselves all over most lakes. Walleye are holding to bridges for current and feeding location. Catfish in southern part of chain are more active; muskie very poor. Note: Crappies and bluegill both in the thickest brush you can find.

COOK FOREST PRESERVES (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)+

Rain seemed to activate some local waters that were slow the last few weeks. Busse Lake: Crappie at the dams, between the pools. Some catfish were taken at creek mouth on north side of lake, where rain forced more current and food into lake. Tampier Lake: Small crappie and bluegill have been taken from the shore along 131st. Wax worms on small baits under a slip bobber have been good choices. Maple Lake: Bluegill moved into the shallows of lake; catfish have slowed a bit.

DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVES (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)+

Smallmouth bass have been on the smaller size in the Du Page River. West Branch Forest Preserve: Fathead minnows for largemouth bass. Trout have been hitting Power Baits, and minnows on West Branch and Silver Lakes. Mallard Lake: Crappie on minnows, bluegill on worms and largemouth bass on medium roaches.

LA SALLE LAKE (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)

Wind has opened and closed the lake numerous times this week to boaters. Plenty of white bass off either the 1st and 2nd dikes. A number of big bluegill on Mini Mites, small spinners and crappie minnows have been taken. Walleye fishermen trolling areas and finding fish aggressive.

KANKAKEE RIVER (STAR)(STAR)+

Very difficult to call with heavy rains in the eastern part of the watershed. Water levels have been rising, thus slowing action through the town of Kankakee. At Wilmington dam, a number of white bass have been caught below the dam and a little way downriver. Action could return by weekend without another heavy rainstorm. Crappie fair in protected backwater areas. Largemouth bass in Des Plaines Conservation area are fair on jigs or medium roaches.

ILLINOIS RIVER (STAR)(STAR)+

Back up to good spring level. White bass have been most productive. Mouth of Vermilion River, Plum Island and the 39 Bridge are best locations. Jig and minnow or twister tails have been preferred baits.

FOX RIVER (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)

River has received only light fishing pressure this week. Walleye have been taken from below most of the dams. Action has varied day to day, but good anglers can find fish. Smallmouth bass have been taken off current breaks and just inside backwater areas. Jig and minnow or twister tails are both producing well.